Paramount On Screen: Pep Banned

in Collaboration with the Virginia Film Festival

For nearly three decades, the Virginia Pep Band was loved by students, hesitantly supported by administrators, and reviled by others. Sports, humor, and culture collided in the performances of this unique, student-run organization as it realized its goal of entertaining sports fans while addressing current events around Charlottesville, the nation, and the world.

Founded in 1974 as a light-hearted scramble band, the Pep Band ran into its first major controversy in the fall of 1977 after offending the acting governor of Maryland. Laughter, mayhem, and adversity continued to follow the band from Scott Stadium to the Superdome until 2003 when it was permanently barred from all university events.

During its time, the band established itself as one of the University of Virginia’s most popular new traditions, leaving its mark on generations of students and alumni, visiting fans, local and national press, and a legion of former band member for whom wearing the orange vest and performing on Game Day marked the high point of their college experience.

In Pep Banned, band alumni, administrators, athletes, journalists, and fans come together to tell the story of this iconic organization—from its humble beginnings to its rise to celebrity status on Grounds to its seemingly inevitable downfall—and to relive one of the truly entertaining eras in UVa history.

Join us after the film for a panel with members of the band and filmmakers!